For established clients to make future appointments using this scheduling button for individual therapy or EMDR Group for Health Concerns. New clients please call our office number to get started: 619 283-5665.
Dana L. Terrell, LCSW, EAC
Dana’s passion for increasing emotional maturity with Bowen and EMDR
LINK HERE to learn about Dana’s iBE “Healing Relationships with iBE Therapy” Options
Dana Terrell, LCSW, EAC (CA license #13773) has been practicing Bowen Family System’s Theory since 1979, and EMDR Therapy since 1997.She’s been training EMDR therapists in her iBE protocols since 2009, and was a presenter at the 2014 and 2017 EMDR International Association Conferences.
She is passionate about her two specialties because she has seen the life-changing effect when combined in her Integrative Bowen and EMDR (iBE) protocol. With iBE, client change is evident to others. Her research has demonstrated people can increase their emotional maturity scores more in 3-12 months than Bowen thought possible in one lifetime.
What people say about working with Dana – TESTIMONIALS
Individual Therapy
“I have progressed more in 3 months of EMDR Therapy with you, than I have in 20 years of previous therapy.” – K.B., 44 yr. old male survivor of abuse in childhood.
“I’ve been naturally taking better care of myself now. I’ve even dropped my cigarettes to one a day. This is the wierdest therapy I ever had in my life, but I love it.” M.E. 25 year old female, San Diego
“This is the most insight, tangible work and support I’ve ever received from a therapist. I get an A+ for my efforts. I threw myself into it, and I can see progress within myself.” – T.V., 52 year old male survivor of childhood neglect, sibling abuse and stranger molestation.
“I feel good about me. I’ve never felt so positive about therapy before this.” – CG, female raised by severely depressed father, San Diego
“I feel SO blessed (as many other people must feel) that you decided to become a therapist instead of a teacher (though I’m sure you would have made an amazing teacher). You have made a profoundly positive impact on my life; past, present, and future. You have helped me work through events from my past, as well as recent events, which is really helping me deal with being more present in the here and now, and as a result, find more peace and joy within myself again. What I have learned from you and worked through with you will have an everlasting positive effect on my future as well, and as a result, the futures of my children and my family!!” – TH, teacher and mother of four
“OVERCOMING NEGLECT AND ABUSE CAN BE DONE – I’M PROVING IT”
“I want to share the amazing transformation I’ve experienced since working with Dana and her magic wand! [NOTE: EMDR therapists use their hands, a device called a “Light Bar,” pulsars with lights, or a simple pointer wand to guide clients eye movements.]
“One of my very close friends told me about EMDR therapy. She knew my history and thought it might help me overcome some difficulties that had plagued me for years. When I went to Dana’s website, ComprehensiveTherapyApproach.com. I read the first paragraph:
“Feeling stuck in disturbing feelings like anxiety, phobias or nervousness? Anger or depression? Guilt or shame? Worry, fear or even panic? Finding it hard to keep self-esteem up as you keep thinking discouraging thoughts, like: “I’m just not good enough”? I can’t succeed”? “I can’t handle it”? Are there some behaviors you do “too much or too little,” which are blocking your ability to love, work, play, and enjoy life? Does it seem confusing that you have these problems even though there may be much good in your life? Would you like to start tackling these issues in my comfortable North Park office?
“I answered “yes! yes! yes!’ to every single question that paragraph asked. It was as if she was speaking directly to me! I called Dana’s office to talk to her as I wanted to find out more and Dana herself called me back to discuss my concerns. She was so calm and kind that after I put the phone down I sobbed. I felt that she was the person that would be able to help me release the negative beliefs that were holding me back from having the life I wanted. I was absolutely right! In just a few sessions, she helped me find the parts of my brain that were stuck and she helped me create completely new thought patterns.
“EMDR Therapy to me is like cognitive therapy on steroids! I knew that my shame and guilt was not mine, but I didn’t seem to have the power to change how I viewed the world because of it. EMDR was the magic formula! I have changed so much in such a short time. My relationships are so much more authentic, personally and in my career. My relationship with money is much better and as a result, I am making more money. I no longer suffer from debilitating anxiety and I am able to squash self-doubt before it has a chance to take its hold on me. I believe I can succeed and as a result, I’m becoming more and more successful. I have control over my life and destiny. I love myself and I love my life!
“I thought PTSD was for those who suffered major trauma like in Vietnam or other equally devastating circumstances. From what I understand, PTSD can occur in childhood as a result of neglect and abuse, no matter how we minimize it. With Dana, I discovered some of my stored trauma was from events that as an adult I wouldn’t have thought were especially traumatic, however, they were affecting my view of myself and the world around me. EMDR has been the perfect vehicle for me!
“Thank you to Dana and EMDR Therapy!”
Individual Therapy
Words cannot express my gratitude I have for you and your ability to work with me through all my issues. Although the work I am currently working on is extremely challenging, it has also afforded me the opportunity to move forward and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am convinced that it was God who brought me to you in November of 2008 because it was time for me to work through my struggles/hurdles with a compassionate/caring individual such as yourself. You are a talented professional, one who has encouraged and supported me through my on-going trials and tribulations without judgment. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me. I look forward to our future therapy and my future growth that lies ahead.
Thank you,
K.B., 46 year old male
“I started seeing Dana as an individual EMDR/iBE client during a period of severe stress related to a toxic work environment. My work environment was giving me extreme anxiety and triggering PTSD. It was negatively affecting every aspect of my health. Using her combined EMDR and iBE therapy approach, Dana helped me to become aware of long buried subconscious thoughts and responses created during a difficult childhood in a dysfunctional family system. My subconscious beliefs and thoughts were driving my current thoughts and behaviors in ways that had caused me difficulties all of my life.
“The awareness Dana helped me gain has allowed me to make changes in my conscious thoughts, which has greatly lessened my stress and anxiety, and has helped me make positive conscious decisions in my life. After getting the anxiety under control I was able to think through my employment situation with a more rational and calm frame of mind, and ended up leaving my job. Despite having been there many years, that was the best decision for me and I have yet to regret it.
“I spent several years in and out of cognitive talk therapy without getting these types of results. Dana is great at what she does and I am so grateful to her!”
LR 61 year old female
I am dealing with a neurological issue. When visiting San Diego, something triggered a PTSD episode that impaired my neurological function to the point where I could barely walk. My friend arranged for a home visit session with Dana for an individual EMDR treatment. Prior to this session, I had been pretty much bedridden the whole morning, barely able to walk more than a few steps to the bathroom.
I was beyond amazed at my immediate response to just one session. By the completion of our EMDR treatment of this trigger experience, my neurological function had stabilized and my leg function returned.
Patti
On May 24, 2002 I nearly lost my life when a reckless driver crossed the double yellow lines and hit me head-on in northern New Jersey.
As an athlete growing up, I was always the woman who would just “tough it out” and get through the pain, including the PTSD flashbacks, all on my own. ….I did handle it but with a lot of crying and usually with headaches after the episodes. I handled it averaging about a couple flashbacks a month for almost a decade.
During my time working together with Dana, I had to really focus and allow myself get to that point of feeling the pain from almost losing my life, just letting myself cry uncontrollably and knowing that I was safe, and sensing where I felt the hurt in my body. I was now able to understand why I would always look at my hands and see them look red, like blood, when I would have a flashback, because that is what I did when I was hurt in my car. Pieces were slowly starting to come together. It was life-changing!
EMDR has changed my life! I am deeply passionate about spreading the word by sharing my personal story. I offer my experience of going through EMDR to help others know that they are going to be alright and that they have someone who can relate to the pain they are going through.
I want to bring awareness to EMDR therapy that has so many more people it can truly heal and touch so many more people.
A.Pennella, age 33, Life Coach and Inspirational Speaker
GROUP iBE testimonials
“Dana’s iBE Workshop was a life-changing experience for me. I went in with an extremely small support system and a lot of problems. I was suicidal and felt totally alone. Dana’s workshop plus some individual therapy afterwards taught me the skills I need to develop and maintain a healthy support network. My life is so different now. I have so many people I can count on to help me in different situations. It leaves me feeling like I can tackle anything because there is always someone there to catch me when I stumble. I know who to trust and when to trust them. And that makes such a difference in my life.”
Kristynn Bennett, RMT IARP
“I attended Dana’s iBE Intensive Group Workshop. Each day I told her, ‘this is the most profound healing experience I’ve ever had.’
“Dana has that rare combination of being knowledgeable and competent, along with kind and compassionate. She is very honest and passionate about what she does. It is not just a money thing. She’s a really good human being.”
Southern Cal Gal Psychologist
I went to see Dana for EMDR after experiencing many traumas in my life. I found her unique combination of Bowen theory and EMDR amazingly helpful. She is very intuitive and knowledgeable in many areas of psychology and holistic therapies and knows just the right questions to ask to facilitate EMDR. She is exceptionally kind, wise, and spiritual, and she has influenced my life greatly for the better. She is an innovator and the first to start group iBE EMDR therapy which I also tried and found it to be very effective in her capable hands. I feel so lucky that I have experienced some of the many gifts which Dana has to offer.
Jeanette, M.D.
Group iBE Therapy Workshop
“I attended Dana’s iBE Intensive Group Workshop. Each day I told her, ‘this is the most profound healing experience I’ve ever had.’
“Dana has that rare combination of being knowledgeable and competent, along with kind and compassionate. She is very honest and passionate about what she does. It is not just a money thing. She’s a really good human being.”
Southern Cal Gal Psychologist
GROUP iBE testimonial:
“Dana’s iBE Workshop was a life-changing experience for me. I went in with an extremely small support system and a lot of problems. I was suicidal and felt totally alone. Dana’s workshop plus some individual therapy afterwards taught me the skills I needed to develop and maintain a healthy support network. My life is so different now. I have so many people I can count on to help me in different situations. It leaves me feeling like I can tackle anything because there is always someone there to catch me when I stumble. I know who to trust and when to trust them. And that makes such a difference in my life.”
Individual Therapy
“On May 24, 2002 I nearly lost my life when a reckless driver crossed the double yellow lines and hit me head-on in northern New Jersey.
“As an athlete growing up, I was always the woman who would just “tough it out” and get through the pain, including the PTSD flashbacks, all on my own. ….I did handle it but with a lot of crying and usually with headaches after the episodes. I handled it averaging about a couple flashbacks a month for almost a decade.
“During my time working together with Dana, I had to really focus and allow myself get to that point of feeling the pain from almost losing my life, just letting myself cry uncontrollably and knowing that I was safe, and sensing where I felt the hurt in my body. I was now able to understand why I would always look at my hands and see them look red, like blood, when I would have a flashback, because that is what I did when I was hurt in my car. Pieces were slowly starting to come together. It was life-changing!
“EMDR has changed my life! I am deeply passionate about spreading the word by sharing my personal story. I offer my experience of going through EMDR to help others know that they are going to be alright and that they have someone who can relate to the pain they are going through.
“I want to bring awareness to EMDR therapy that has so many more people it can truly heal and touch so many more people.”
A. Pennella, age 33, Life Coach and Inspirational Speaker
“I have progressed more in 3 months of EMDR Therapy with you, than I have in 20 years of previous therapy.” – K.B., 44 yr. old male survivor of abuse in childhood.
“I’ve been naturally taking better care of myself now. I’ve even dropped my cigarettes to one a day. This is the weirdest therapy I ever had in my life, but I love it.” M.E. 25 year old female, San Diego
“This is the most insight, tangible work and support I’ve ever received from a therapist. I get an A+ for my efforts. I threw myself into it, and I can see progress within myself.” – T.V., 52 year old male survivor of childhood neglect, sibling abuse and stranger molestation.
“I feel good about me. I’ve never felt so positive about therapy before this.” – CG, female raised by severely depressed father, San Diego
“I feel SO blessed (as many other people must feel) that you decided to become a therapist instead of a teacher (though I’m sure you would have made an amazing teacher). You have made a profoundly positive impact on my life; past, present, and future. You have helped me work through events from my past, as well as recent events, which is really helping me deal with being more present in the here and now, and as a result, find more peace and joy within myself again. What I have learned from you and worked through with you will have an everlasting positive effect on my future as well, and as a result, the futures of my children and my family!!” – TH, teacher and mother of four
“OVERCOMING NEGLECT AND ABUSE CAN BE DONE – I’M PROVING IT”
“I want to share the amazing transformation I’ve experienced since working with Dana and her magic wand! [NOTE: EMDR therapists use their hands, a device called a “Light Bar,” pulsars with lights, or a simple pointer wand to guide clients eye movements.]
“One of my very close friends told me about EMDR therapy. She knew my history and thought it might help me overcome some difficulties that had plagued me for years. When I went to Dana’s website, ComprehensiveTherapyApproach.com. I read the first paragraph:
“Feeling stuck in disturbing feelings like anxiety, phobias or nervousness? Anger or depression? Guilt or shame? Worry, fear or even panic? Finding it hard to keep self-esteem up as you keep thinking discouraging thoughts, like: “I’m just not good enough”? I can’t succeed”? “I can’t handle it”? Are there some behaviors you do “too much or too little,” which are blocking your ability to love, work, play, and enjoy life? Does it seem confusing that you have these problems even though there may be much good in your life? Would you like to start tackling these issues in my comfortable North Park office?
“I answered “yes! yes! yes!’ to every single question that paragraph asked. It was as if she was speaking directly to me! I called Dana’s office to talk to her as I wanted to find out more and Dana herself called me back to discuss my concerns. She was so calm and kind that after I put the phone down I sobbed. I felt that she was the person that would be able to help me release the negative beliefs that were holding me back from having the life I wanted. I was absolutely right! In just a few sessions, she helped me find the parts of my brain that were stuck and she helped me create completely new thought patterns.
“EMDR Therapy to me is like cognitive therapy on steroids! I knew that my shame and guilt was not mine, but I didn’t seem to have the power to change how I viewed the world because of it. EMDR was the magic formula! I have changed so much in such a short time. My relationships are so much more authentic, personally and in my career. My relationship with money is much better and as a result, I am making more money. I no longer suffer from debilitating anxiety and I am able to squash self-doubt before it has a chance to take its hold on me. I believe I can succeed and as a result, I’m becoming more and more successful. I have control over my life and destiny. I love myself and I love my life!
“I thought PTSD was for those who suffered major trauma like in Vietnam or other equally devastating circumstances. From what I understand, PTSD can occur in childhood as a result of neglect and abuse, no matter how we minimize it. With Dana, I discovered some of my stored trauma was from events that as an adult I wouldn’t have thought were especially traumatic, however, they were affecting my view of myself and the world around me. EMDR has been the perfect vehicle for me!
“Thank you to Dana and EMDR Therapy!”
Dana’s Additional Passions
In 2006 she created a website to express her expanding passion: to help the world discover EMDR therapy and to introduce our world family to the esteemed EMDR therapists she most trusts: EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapists. Tour ComprehensiveTherapyApproach.com:
WHAT IS EMDR? A succinct intro to EMDR therapy, it’s success and it’s speed
VIDEO A buffet of topics: EMDR for different age groups, for different needs, overcoming stigma about mental illness, …
ARTICLES Reports on research of many applications of EMDR, for depression, PTSD from cancer, phobias, anxiety, for children, for those who experienced early trauma or neglect (such as Adult Children of Alcoholics), and many, many more
FOR THERAPISTS Resources for therapists, upcoming trainings, and access to reaching many clients interested in EMDR therapy
Our Certified EMDR therapists have taken the extra effort to consult with a mentor (an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant) for 20 hours. Together they review of the therapist’s efforts to serve clients safely with EMDR therapy. Also, Certified EMDR Therapists take a minimum of 12 credits in Advanced EMDR trainings every 2 years.
“Basically, I’ve found that when people have had a negative experience with EMDR in the past, it is due to working with a therapist who did not practice the full 8 phase EMDR protocol. This is what research has proven works. It is the focus of the certification process – to make sure the EMDR therapist does not leave out one of the important steps, and that you trust and allow each step to fully work its magic.”
Dana Terrell, LCSW, EAC
What is most magical about EMDR?
It is Shapiro’s concept that trauma keeps the brain stuck in distress, and EMDR jump-starts the natural health of the brain again. She calls that health the “Adaptive Information Processing” or AIP System. “Watching the AIP blossom in front of me,” says Dana of her work with clients, “is always inspiring, always thrilling. I never get tired of it, even after 20 years!”
Link here to learn more about Dana’s EMDR and Bowen (iBE) practice
Link for more about Dana’s practice in North Park
DANA TERRELL’S PASSION FOR BOWEN FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY
Her love of Bowen theory began in 1979. She’s been practicing it ever since, in her personal and clinical life. Her clients have found it a valuable set of knowledge and strategies to improve any and all relationships. Whether that improvement is “microscopic” or much more significant, Bowen said it was “huge” because it reverses a pattern that often has been continuing for generations.
And he observed, as I have observed, that when one motivated person works to change their own part in relationship patterns, two things happen. 1. The individual gains great inner strength. 2. Their health becomes contagious to others in contact with them. Yes, it may be a delayed effect, but it does happen. The deep satisfaction of this, to a person with social work values, is that when working with one person, I know that eventually more people will be benefited than just my own client.
Contrast that to therapies where the therapist blames the other family members for the client’s problems, and even encourages cutoff from the blamed persons!! To me that is tragic because it reduces the potential size on the client’s support system. On occasion it is necessary. In cases where true safety is at stake, that is the exception, of course. This means both physical and emotional safety. But I seek to empower my client to learn, sooner or later, how to hold their strength when in contact with the challenging family member or other challenging people.
DANA TERRELL’S PASSION FOR SERVICE TO STRUGGLING PEOPLE, CREATIVITY AND RESEARCH LET HER TO CREATE iBE – Integrated Bowen and EMDR Therapy
Dana Terrell’s initial research demonstrated that with a single case in one year, the client increased her score on the Differentiation of Self Scale 10.7 points. That is more progress than Murray Bowen, MD thought was possible in one lifetime!
The good results have encouraged Dana to continue her research on a group iBE protocol, so that more people can access quality EMDR and Bowen therapies affordably and in a time-efficient format.
Link here to learn more about Dana’s iBE practice.
